We always accept help when it comes to supplies for these kids. The Children's Hospital # 1, in Saigon, is the poorest of the poor hospitals. They often see up to 4,000 children a day, and much time can provide very little *real* help. We got in the first CPR dolls, the first Auto-clave, and a few other items I can't spell. Last year, (2001) I came with an Electro cutting machine, which was a very hot item, and they almost wet their pants.
We need pulse oxymeters - they have only ONE. We need EKG machines - they have none. I have a list of their needs; any help will be greatly accepted.
Saigon is nice, but you need to get away from [the city] and see the real country. Generally, we spend 1 to 2 days in Saigon when we land, then another 2 days as we get ready to head home. The rest of the time we are in Danang, Nha Trang, Dalat, and all points in between. This year we moved around quite a bit.
We had 5 days in Nha Trang for beach and motor biking. Here is a picture of the only person in our group (me) that climbed to the top of Lang Bien Mountain in Dalat. The former NVA soldier at the base that was our guide, said I was too old - "...6 hours, if you can make it. You too old." I made it in 1 hour 45 minutes. He had nothing to say when I got back to the start point. I think he was eating some crow .
Of course, the really important part of the trip is getting the medical supplies to the Children's Hospital in Saigon . These patients range from new born to 14 years of age, the time most kids over there have a tough time with their health. They need Pulse Oxymeters - they have 1 for the whole Hospital; EKG machines - the only one they have is broken. They are in need of at least 4 lap top computers for the medical staff. There is also a great need for any equipment related to Burns and Skin Grafting. They are in short supply of this type of stuff and have many kids with burns over half their bodies.
Dave Baker served with the Army's 212th K-9 Corps, 1967-68.
Please EMAIL Dave Baker if you can provide any help with used but working medical equipment for his project.
